RESIDENTS living near the Labasa landfill have been forced to endure thick, dark smoke over the past few days.
Nasea Vakaviti resident Irimaia Buadakai said the smoke had become particularly bad in recent days, with burning rubbish producing thick smoke that spread into nearby homes and compounds.
“Over the last few days, the smoke has been very heavy. It spreads into our homes, and we are forced to breathe it in even when we are inside,” he said.
Mr Buadakai said residents were concerned about the possible health effects, particularly on young children, elderly people and those with existing health conditions.
“We cannot simply escape the smoke because it comes into our compounds and houses. This is where we live, and we should not have to put up with this.”
In response, the Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi said the fire started last Thursday and the council’s initial attempts to extinguish it were unsuccessful.
“We are trying our level best to contain the fire because of the hazards it causes.”
Mr Ligairi said the council had also received complaints from a secondary school located closer to the landfill.
“We are particularly concerned because there is a school nearby and residents who are affected by the smoke or fumes coming from the burning rubbish.”
He said the council was working with the Ministry of Local Government and other stakeholders to put out the fire.
